It was on July 5th,1946 that an invention by french engineer Louis Reard and fashion designer Jacques Heim revolutionised women’s swimwear. Named after an atoll in the Pacific, the Bikini was born.

Micheline Bernardini wearing the world's first bikini on July 5th 1946

In the 66 years that followed its presentation (modelled by former nude-dancer Micheline Bernardini – no other model would dare to wear it) at the Piscine Molitor, a public swimming pool in Paris, it has become the best selling women’s swimwear, grossing a whopping $811 million annually.

Although an initial scandal, it went on to symbolise women’s emancipation, and Mademoiselle Bernadini received 50’000 letters from fans, declaring their love for the two piece swimsuit.  The initial requirements for a bikini stated that “it’s not a bikini unless it can be pulled through a wedding ring”. Try telling that to Susan Rosen, who in 2006 designed the world’s most expensive bikini, made of over 150 carats or 30 grams of flawless diamonds, worth £20 million.

Crazy projects apart, let’s celebrate the summer, the liberation of women and the bikini by winning a brand new two piece suit from Yipiii!

RIP CURL Bandeau Bikini with Detachable Straps £65, max discount £1

Ferrari Prancing Horse Bikini £59, max discount £5

SPEEDO Drawstring Bikini £59, max discount £1